For the first time since March 2020, Washington state businesses are able to open at full capacity, with the majority of COVID-19 restrictions lifted.
Gov. Jay Inslee removed the majority of capacity constraints and social distancing requirements on businesses Wednesday, allowing restaurants, bars and other businesses to open to full indoor capacity levels.
Jefferson County’s universal masking mandate is also lifted Wednesday, with the county following state Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah’s masking directive.
There have already been fewer masking requirements since last month, when the state adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance that eased most indoor mask-wearing for fully vaccinated people.
Masking rules will remain in place at health care settings — like hospitals and doctor’s offices — correctional facilities, homeless shelters and schools, and masks will continue to be required for unvaccinated employees who return to work indoors. And businesses can continue to choose to require masks for their customers, regardless of vaccination status.
